Review request Lavendon School and Olney Infant School

[Melbrenchley]

Dear all, I'm about to move to Buckinghamshire for my husband's new job and I'll be off to visit Olney infant school and Lavendon school for comparison later this week to choose one or the other. I've done all the research I can do on paper for the two schools and can see the main differences in that lavendon is a village school with smaller class sizes serving kids age 4-11 and Olney a town school only serving ages 4-7. Both have outstanding ofsted and look good on paper. I'd be very grateful if anyone on the forum has personal experience of either school to give me things to consider when making my choice!. Thank you in advance for any insight.

I do not personally know these schools but I assume you have checked if they vacancies in the year(s) you require. I also know MK do the non standard/late admissions for most schools so have you checked who you apply to - the school direct or the LA? I see the Olney First School is an Academy but it may still use the LA for all admissions.

Also, as the Olney Infant School is a 4-7 school, I would check what you think of the Middle school. No doubt most of the Infant children transfer to that school at age 7 for Y3, but is it good and do you like it? Would you rather have a through village school, or do you think there is more going on at the larger Olney schools re higher quality sport, music, drama etc? Small is not always quite so varied.

Are you iving in Lavenham or Olney? That would sway me too. Will DC be able to walk to school and make friends locally? Both great places though!

Hi Bubblesbuddy
Thank you so much for your time and input and excellent observations and questions. We are loving our stay in Olney, what a beautiful town this is! We visited the infant academy this morning and were very impressed. There is space for September intake and the application is made directly through the school and not the LA. We also visited the middle school and got a very good feel there too, with happy teachers and pupils. Overall, I'm feeling relieved and excited about potentially making Olney our home and having schools that will work for us. Thank you again for your wise input, it was very much appreciated.

I think if you are in Olney, I would use the schools there. It will be easier to make friends.

I love Olney. Always stop when we travel to Brafield on the Green for the point to point - our hobby!

Would love to know which school you chose and if you're happy with your decision? Local to Olney and need to make the same decision soon. Would love to hear how you've got on.